Tulus "Mysterion" Cassette cardboard (Bonustracks)

Tracks on B side taken from Midtvintermåne demo.

Lilac luminescent Pro-Tape in soft-touch slipcase with 5-panel inlay including all the lyrics and credits. Limited to 111 hand-numbered copies.

The nineties black metal classic Finally officially re-issued with original Norwegian titles and lyrics. Includes "Midtvintermåne" demo as bonus tracks!

Mysterion might be their best release although their debut "Pure Black Energy" was already a blast. Finally we have a 2019 re-release of this classic on vinyl. Fast hateful Black Metal with an eerie atmosphere.
After a short intro we are getting into buisness in "Dommens fugl". Here you find what makes some of Tulus songs outstanding. An alternating combination of atmospheric riffs, dark choirs in the background and dissonant hateful Black Metal riffs. Unlike many Black Metal recordings of the 90s, the bass is clearly hearable throughout the whole record, which I really like. "Dommens fugl" is one of the highlights of the album and a good starting point to get an idea of the record. The choir in the background sounds like orthodox or Gregorian vocals giving the song a more mystic vibe.
What I really like is that the synths on this record are not over the top and stay in the background. With the exception of the mandatory 90s Black Metal synth instrumental, that sounds just cheesy. The third one "Gravstenskugge" is another aggressive track featuring some of these eerie synths. The riffs are often simple but mesmerizing, Black Metal that goes forward without any emotions besides hate.
I am not so much of a fan of the drum recordings of this album. Although the drumming is great and I can clearly picture the sound of war in them, the production makes them sound a little bit dull for my taste. The vocals are grim and hateful. Sometimes the band experiments in a weird way like for example the vocals in the background of their album track "Mysterion". These vocals are just aweful.
"Skriket fra juvet" and "Mare" are another two highlights of the album. Both are more melodic and have probably the most interesting riffs. The guitar work is just hypnotical. The final song "Mare" might be my favourite. The riffs are transcendental and melancholic.
The production of the record is nice for the most part. The guitars sound alive and the vocals are sharp. And as I already mentioned, I really enjoy that the bass is very clear for most of the time. There is not much to say now besides there is no particular weak song with my personal exception of "Skuggeskip". If you enjoy fast hateful Norwegian Black Metal that sparsly uses keyboards, if you are a fan of early Gorgoroth, then just get the album. It is great.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...